What does it mean to be “More Than a Lawyer?” This month’s featured lawyer, Susan Snowden, suggests being a lawyer means she can be more – and should be more – in her life. Whether with her community activities or family, or whether exploring her interests and hobbies, Susan embraces everything she does as a challenge, a commitment, and an avenue to “give back.”
Susan shares the unique skills she has honed as a lawyer to help her community continue to be among the most desirable places to live in West Virginia. As a Member at Jackson & Kelly, Susan uses her knowledge and talents to improve her community, whether in leadership roles or in philanthropic endeavors. She believes passionately that, “The Business of America is Local Business,” and she directs her energies to supporting the local business community, as well as to social, cultural, educational, and artistic causes.
For over four decades, Susan has been a driving force behind the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival. Her family was involved in founding this showcase of the local apple industry, which provides an influx of visitors and a sustaining boost to the regional economy. Susan has served multiple times as President of its Board of Directors. She is particularly proud that the Festival only highlights the local culture but serves as a homecoming event. With the 45th Annual Festival set for October 17-20, 2024, Susan invites everyone to the festivities!
The Eastern Panhandle is a vibrant commercial center, and Susan uses her legal expertise to advance local business interests. She has served on the Local and State Chambers of Commerce, including as President of the Martinsburg/Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce. And believing that having quality local healthcare also supports business, she has chaired the Boards of WVU Medicine East and the University Healthcare Foundation. Non-profit businesses have also benefitted from Susan’s tireless efforts through a unique giving circle called WISH, “Women Investing in Shepherd.” In its ten years in existence, WISH has donated 1.17 million dollars to qualifying groups and Shepherd University.
Susan aspired to be a professional pianist until a defining encounter at a Tri-Hi-Y Youth in Legislature event led her to consider law school. Susan acknowledges she is never really “off the clock,” but her priority remains her family, which to her means being fully engaged in their activities, as they are in hers. To promote the success of West Virginia’s lawyers, current and future, she continues to serve on the Board of Law Examiners and as a member of the Defense Trial Counsel of WV, recently serving as the Immediate Past-President of its Board of Governors.
Susan remains emboldened by the challenge to be more than a lawyer. It concerns her that fewer lawyers – especially females – are entering private practice. Through her unique opportunities and leadership roles, she continues building networks and opportunities for lawyers, by balancing professional excellence, community engagement, and personal fulfillment. Susan was nominated by Monica Haddad.
